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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]NP here.  Also new to all of this.  U10 DD is currently doing MSI Classic, but as PPs have stated, the quality varies and unfortunately we're on one of the "you get what you pay for" teams completely lacking in player development.  Thinking about trying out for one of the clubs and would love any thoughts comparing Bethesda Soccer, Potomac Soccer, and PPA.  Would PPA be convenient for someone living in the North Potomac/Gaithersburg area?  One of the things that Classic does have going for it is the chance to really build a relationship with the teammates and coach.  I'm a little afraid of what I've read on here about Bethesda and getting lost in the shuffle.  Is it similar at Potomac?  Any other nearby clubs I should be considering?  Would really prefer not to go too far (like over 30 mins) for practices at this age.  Thanks![/quote]

I have a son at BSC. On the boys side my rank is BSC, Potomac then PPA. PPA is really just getting off the ground so while it has some good coaches, their player pool is not particularly deep. It also is seen as an alternative for kids who are not as serious which also impacts the type of players they have. I might rank some of the Potomac coaches below PPA but the Potomac player pool may be better. My kid is a rise to challenge type so the level of the player pool is important to him.

Logistics for BSC has been much better than I anticipated. Practices have been at a few different locations in N Bethesda but all within 20 minutes or less (depending on traffic) for us. Eg, Tilden and White Flint areas. It would be further for people  that live inDC or closer to the border but I know lots of people carpool (usually there are multiple teams practicing at the same time at the same location so you have more than just the kids on your team as carpool options).  Games are mostly 45 mins away (including home games in Poolesville). Parents are nice and behave themselves. Some are more relaxed and some more intense but everyone is friendly and gets along in my experience. Haven't felt like my son gets lost in the shuffle. There are a lot of kids but the coaches spend a lot of time with them and know them very well. We get very detailed written reviews and then a conference with the coach.  My son's coach his first year with BSC knew him very, very well and knew how to motivate him.

BSC has a curriculum that the coaches follow but different coaches have different approaches. There are some yellers but I expect you find that anywhere. And I know from team conversations in my car that some kids like yellers (my son definitely does not).

We haven't experienced any of the negative behavior associated on here with BSC. My guess is that it is probably overblown but also applies more to the top team in older age groups. I could see how things could get pretty competitive and maybe even political. That has not been our experience so far.

While we have had a very good experience with BSC and my son and I are thrilled with his development, I will say that it is a lot of soccer for kids - about 5 hours of practice plus games per week, expectation of some training at home, and several weekend long tournaments. There also is pressure from coaches. It is not for kids who aren't committed and soccer crazed.  If your kid enjoys soccer but is casual about it, she might burn out pretty quickly. [/quote]

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